Header tape arrangement for a curtain

ABSTRACT

The invention provides a header tape arrangement for a curtain. The arrangement is for causing a wave effect in the curtain. The arrangement has a base strip for attaching to the curtain, adjacent to and along an edge of the curtain. The base strip has a rear side for facing the curtain and a front side opposite the rear side. The arrangement includes a first strip having a plurality of spaced apart first attaching segments attached to the front side of the base strip along a length of the base strip, and a plurality of first pocket segments defined between the first attaching segments. Each of the first pocket segments having marked a pair of spaced apart first fastening points. The first pocket segments may be folded and the pairs of first fastening points may be brought and fastened together in pairs so as to cause the wave effect when the base strip is attached to the curtain.

The disclosure is the U.S. National Stage of International Application No. PCT/GB2020/050958, filed on Apr. 15, 2020, which claims the priority benefit of GB application No. 1905359.4, filed on Apr. 16, 2019. The entirety of the above-mentioned patent applications is hereby incorporated by reference herein and made a part of this specification.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a header tape arrangement for a curtain and in particular, but not exclusively, a header tape arrangement for causing a wave effect in a curtain. Aspects of the invention relate to a header tape arrangement, to a method, and to a curtain arrangement.

BACKGROUND

It is known to hang or suspend a curtain so as to form a screen, for example adjacent to or in front of a window. Typically, a curtain will be movable along a rail that is attached to a surface such as a wall between open and closed positions or configurations so that the window, for example, is revealed or concealed. In particular, it is often desirable that when suspended at an upper edge the curtain drapes in such a manner so as to create a wave or pleated effect in the curtain, i.e. a repeating wavy pattern along a length of the curtain. Preferably, the curtain is pleated in a consistent manner from the upper edge to a lower edge of the curtain. In addition, it is preferable that the curtain remains pleated as the curtain is opened or drawn.

One known way in which such a wave effect may be created is by using a tape arrangement that is attached along an upper edge of a curtain. In particular, the tape arrangement has two or more cords therein that extends through channels along the length of the tape arrangement. Once the tape arrangement has been attached to the curtain and the cords are secured at one end, the cord strings may be pulled through the channels at the other end which causes the tape arrangement and therefore the curtain to form pleats or a wave pattern. One disadvantage with such a tape arrangement is that the cords may move even once the pleats have been formed into an even shape and size. This means that the wave pattern may not stay in the desired even pattern when the curtain is moved and used. Furthermore, as a user needs to adjust each pleat individually to form the desired pattern then use of such a tape arrangement may be time consuming. In addition, such tape arrangements may be designed in a manner which means that the curtain to which it is attached does not maintain the wave pattern from the top to the bottom of the curtain. Known tape arrangements also suffer the disadvantage of being relatively flimsy and/or pliable such that a desired sharp wave pattern may not be able to be created and/or maintained.

Another known way in which to create a wave effect in a curtain is to suspend the curtain from evenly-spaced gliders that run along a curtain pole or track and are connected together using cord. In particular, a tape arrangement having a number of pockets for receiving curtain hooks is attached along an upper edge of a curtain, and then curtain hooks are evenly spaced and engaged with the pockets of the tape arrangement and the gliders of the curtain track so as to connect the curtain to the curtain rail. Opening and closing of the curtain by movement along the curtain track causes the gliders to create a wave effect in the curtain. Such an arrangement suffers the drawback that the curtain cannot be transferred to a regular curtain pole that does not have gliders while still maintaining the wave effect.

It is an aim of the present invention to address one or more disadvantages associated with the prior art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to an aspect of the present invention there is provided a header tape arrangement, or header tape, for a curtain, or other material to be suspended. The header tape arrangement is for causing a wave effect in the curtain.

The header tape arrangement comprises a base strip for attaching to the curtain, adjacent to and along an edge of the curtain. The base strip has a rear side for facing the curtain when the header tape is attached thereto, and a front side opposite the rear side.

The header tape arrangement comprises a first strip having a plurality of spaced apart first attaching segments attached to the front side of the base strip along a length of the base strip. The first strip extends along the length of the base strip. The first strip comprises a plurality of first pocket segments defined between the first attaching segments, each of the first pocket segments having a pair of spaced apart first fastening points. The fastening points may be marked on the first strip, for example by visible dots or dashes, or via perforations or indentations.

The first pocket segments may be folded and the pairs of first fastening points may be fastened or otherwise secured so as to cause the wave effect when the base strip is attached to the curtain. That is, for each of the first pocket segments, the first pocket segment is folded to bring together the pair of spaced apart first fastening points therein and the first fastening points therein are fastened together so as to cause the wave effect when the base strip is attached to the curtain. Expressed differently, each individual first pocket segment is folded on itself to attach a pair of fastening points on the individual first pocket segment together.

The wave effect, wave pleat, or wave pattern that is created may be a relatively smooth, sinusoidal-type pattern when viewed in plan from above. That is, the curtain and header tape arrangement wave in and out in a repeating manner to create substantially even and equal peaks and troughs. The exact wave pattern will change as the curtain is slid back and forth along a curtain pole, i.e. to open and close the curtain; however, the wave pattern will maintain its equal peaks and troughs. The wave pattern may be referred to as a series of pleats of equal size and length.

By folding or pinching a first pocket segment means to bring together the pair of first fastening points in that first pocket segment so that the first strip no longer extends in a linear manner along its length. As the first strip is positioned on the front side of the base strip, and attached thereto at the first attaching point, folding and fastening the first strip in this way causes the base strip to no longer extend in a linear manner along its length and instead to adopt a curved or wavy shape. In turn, as the base strip is attached to the curtain then curving of the base strip in this manner also causes curving or pleating of the curtain.

The first fastening points may each be a single or series of points, or a line, or a region along or in which each pair of first fastening points is fastened, joined, connected or coupled together. Indeed, the first fastening points may not be indicated on the first pocket segments, and may defined instead simply as the points that are fastened together once the first pocket segment has been folded. By folding each first pocket segment and fastening the corresponding pair of first fastening points the first strip no longer extends in a linear manner across its length.

The base and first strips may be continuous lengths of material, the first attaching segments of the first strip being joined to the corresponding facing segment of the base strip. The first pocket segments of the first strip are not joined to the base strip and so a hole, aperture or pocket is formed between the base and first strips at the first pocket segments.

The present invention is advantageous in that by folding and fastening the header tape arrangement at calculated, marked intervals or points, an even wave pattern is created that maintains its shape and evenness over time and as the curtain is moved. In particular, the header tape arrangement does not have cords that may move or loosen such that the desired even wave pattern is lost. The present invention is advantageous in that, once the header tape arrangement has been folded and fastened as desired, no further adjustment is needed even after the curtain has been in use. The present invention is therefore not time consuming to assemble and maintain.

The present invention is advantageous in that the header tape arrangement may be attached to any curtain and hung from any standard curtain pole. That is, the formation of the pleats in the present invention is not reliant on any specific components of a particular type of curtain or curtain pole, e.g. gliders. Instead, in the present invention the creation of the pleats or wave pattern is reliant solely on the components of the header tape arrangement, thus increasing its flexibility and potential applicability of use.

The present invention also benefits from being of relatively simple and inexpensive design, having few parts, and being relatively easy to attach to, and assemble with, a curtain.

In some embodiments, fastening the pairs of first fastening points creates and maintains a first loop portion, or folded portion, in each of the first pocket segments, the first loop portions being adjacent to the base strip. In particular, the first loop portion is formed by or in the part or material of the first pocket segment between the pair of fastening points That is, each first loop portion, or simply first loop, is between the base strip and the pair of fastening points that have been brought together, and this causes the base strip to adopt a curved or wavy shape in this region. As the base strip is attached to the curtain, the curtain therefore also adopts the curved or wavy shape. Indeed, a tip or peak of each first loop extends towards, faces and/or abuts the base strip so as to cause the base strip to adopt the curved shape in that particular region.

A height of the first strip may be less than a height of the base strip.

In some embodiments, one or more of the pairs of fastening points is fastened together by sewing, for example by a machine or by hand, which ensures that the fastening points are fastened together in a neat and compact manner. Optionally, at least one of the pairs of fastening points may be fastened together by gripping means, e.g. a clasp or snappy tag. Advantageously, this ensures ease of removal if the curtain is to be taken down, and means that the curtain may be folded and stored flat. Indeed, the gripping means may be re-used when re-hanging the curtain on a curtain pole. Optionally, at least one of the pairs of fastening points may be fastened together by hook and loop means, e.g. Velcro®, provided at the fastening points. In particular, the hook and loop means may be sewn onto the pocket segments at the fastening points and then brought together to fasten the pleats in place.

The first strip may be attached to the base strip along and adjacent to a lower edge of the base strip.

The first strip may be spaced a prescribed distance from the lower edge of the base strip. The prescribed distance may be sufficient to allow the base strip to be attached to the curtain along its lower edge, for example by sewing.

The first strip may be formed from a continuous strip of material. In such embodiments, adjacent ones of the first pocket segments are connected to each other by the first attaching segments. Alternatively, each first pocket segment in the first strip may be formed from a separate piece of material, and the first attaching segments or points are the ends of each piece of material that are attached to the base strip so as to form each first pocket segment.

The first pocket segments may be spaced equally apart.

The first attaching segments may be spaced equally apart.

The header tape arrangement may comprise a second strip. The second strip may have a plurality of spaced apart second attaching segments attached to the front side of the base strip along a length of the base strip. The second strip may have a plurality of second pocket segments defined between the second attaching segments. Each of the second pocket segments may have a pair of spaced apart second fastening points. The second pocket segments may be folded and the pairs of second fastening points may be fastened so as to cause or maintain the wave effect when the base strip is attached to the curtain.

The provision of the second strip, in particular the fastening together the pairs of second fastening points when the header tape arrangement is attached to the curtain, provide support and rigidity to the pleats or wave pattern created by the first strip. In particular, the header tape arrangement of the present invention may be used to create relatively large pleats compared with prior art arrangements and, as such, the second strip may be used to guard against an increased tendency of these larger pleats to distort the wave effect. For example, prior art arrangements may include five or six pleats per width of curtain and, disadvantageously, this many pleats can result in the curtain not hanging the same at the top and bottom of the curtain. In contrast, the header tape arrangement of the present invention may provide fewer, but larger, pleats per width, for example four pleats, meaning that the pleats or wave effect continue for the full length of the curtain from the top to bottom provided that a suitable fabric is used. Note that the pairs of second fastening points may be fastened prior to the first fastening points, in which case it is the second strip which creates the wave pattern.

In some embodiments, fastening the pairs of second fastening points creates a second loop portion in each of the second pocket segments, the second loop portions being adjacent to the base strip.

In some embodiments, each of the second pocket segments is adjacent to one of the first pocket segments. A centre of each of the second pocket segments may be adjacent to a centre of a respective one of the first pocket segments. This ensures that even, smooth and symmetric pleats are created.

In some embodiments, a spacing between the second fastening points in each pair of second fastening points is less than a spacing between the first fastening points in each pair of first fastening points.

A length of the second pocket segments may be less than a length of the first pocket segments.

The second strip may be attached to the base strip along and adjacent to an upper edge of the base strip.

The second strip may be spaced a prescribed distance from the upper edge of the base strip. The prescribed distance may be sufficient to allow the base strip to be attached to the curtain along its upper edge, for example by sewing.

The second strip may be formed from a continuous strip of material. In such embodiments, adjacent ones of the second pocket segments are connected to each other by the second attaching segments. Alternatively, each second pocket segment in the second strip may be formed from a separate piece of material, and the second attaching segments or points are the ends of each piece of material that are attached to the base strip so as to form each second pocket segment.

The first strip may be spaced apart from the second strip, in particular in a vertical direction.

In some embodiments, each of the second attaching segments defines a hook segment—or hook pocket segment—therein that is not attached to the base strip. That is, each of the second attaching segments includes a hook pocket segment that is not attached to the base strip to define a hook pocket between the hook pocket segment and the base strip through which a curtain hook can be inserted. Advantageously, a standard curtain hook may engage with each of the hook segments and also a standard curtain pole ring so as to hang the curtain from the curtain pole. Therefore, no additional or separate components are needed to hang the curtain from the curtain pole.

A length of the hook segment may be less than that of the respective second pocket segment.

The hook segment may be adjacent to an end of the respective second pocket segment.

The hook segment may be a first hook segment, or first hook pocket segment. In some embodiments, each of the second attaching segments defines a second hook segment, or second hook pocket segment, therein that is not attached to the base strip. Each of the second attaching segments include a second hook segment that is not attached to the base strip to define a second hook pocket between the second hook segment and the base strip through which a curtain hook can be inserted. The second hook segment may be adjacent to an end of the respective second pocket segment opposite to that of the first hook segment.

In some embodiments, each of the first and second hook segments are adjacent to one of the first fastening points of the first strip prior to the first pairs and second pairs of fastening points being fastened.

A height of the second strip may be less than that of the first strip.

The base strip may be attachable to the curtain by stitching, for example along the upper and lower edges of the base strip.

The base strip may be formed from nylon or synthetic woven tape. The first and/or second strips may be formed from synthetic woven tape. This ensures that the header tape arrangement is rigid such that it holds its shape, i.e. maintains even pleats or a smooth wave pattern. One or more of the base, first and second strips may be translucent or transparent. This assists in maintaining the appearance of the overall curtain arrangement.

The first strip may be attached to the base strip by bonding at the first attaching segments. The second strip may be attached to the base strip by bonding at the second attaching segments.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a curtain having a header strip arrangement as described above attached thereto.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a method of assembling a header strip arrangement on a curtain to cause a wave effect in the curtain. The header tape arrangement comprises a base strip having a rear side and a front side opposite the rear side. The header tape arrangement comprises a first strip. The first strip has a plurality of spaced apart first attaching segments attached to the front side of the base strip along a length of the base strip. The first strip has a plurality of first pocket segments defined between the first attaching segments. Each of the first pocket segments has a pair of spaced apart first fastening points.

The method comprises attaching the base strip to the curtain such that the rear side of the base strip faces or abuts the curtain and the base strip extends adjacent to and along an edge, for example an upper edge, of the curtain.

The method comprises folding each of the first pocket segments to create respective first loop portions therein so as to cause the base strip and the curtain to adopt a wave pattern. Each first loop portion may comprise a tip or peak at substantially the mid-point between the corresponding pair of fastening points. The tip or peak may extend towards, face and/or abut the base strip.

The method comprises fastening each of the pairs of first fastening points to maintain the first loop portions and the wave pattern.

That is, the method comprises, for each of the first pocket segments: folding the first pocket segment to bring together the pair of spaced apart first fastening points therein to create a first loop portion therein so as to cause the base strip and the curtain to adopt a wave pattern; and, fastening the first fastening points therein together to maintain the first loop portions and the wave pattern.

The method may comprise folding one of the first pocket segments to create a first loop portion and then fastening the corresponding pair of first fastening points together before moving on to folding another one of the first pocket segments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic rear view of a curtain having a header tape arrangement according to an aspect of the invention attached to an upper edge of the curtain;

FIG. 2 shows a schematic front view of a portion of the header tape arrangement of FIG. 1 in greater detail, in particular illustrating multiple pleat sections of the header tape arrangement;

FIG. 3 shows a schematic front view of a single one of the pleat sections of the header tape arrangement of FIG. 2; and,

FIG. 4 shows a schematic plan view of the header tape arrangement of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 shows a schematic rear view of a curtain 10 or other piece of material that forms a screen, for example in front of a window (not shown). The curtain 10 is to be suspended from a curtain pole 12 attached to a wall above the window. In particular, the curtain 10 is connected at its top end or upper edge 14 to rings that glide along the curtain pole 12 by a number of spaced apart curtain hooks 16. The rings are movable back and forth along the curtain pole 12 so as to open or close the curtain 10. Typically, two such curtains or widths 10 will be hung on a single curtain pole or rail 12.

FIG. 1 shows that the curtain 10 has a header tape arrangement 20 attached thereto. In particular, the header tape arrangement 20 includes a base strip 22, a first strip 24 and a second strip 26. The header tape arrangement 20 is attached to the curtain 10 adjacent to and along the upper edge 14 of the curtain 10, extending along substantially the length of the curtain 10. The header tape arrangement 20 is formed from translucent synthetic woven tape, and is described in detail below.

FIG. 2 shows a portion or segment of the header tape arrangement 20, also referred to simply as the tape 20. In particular, FIG. 2 shows a front side of the tape 20. The base strip 22 has a front side 28 and a rear side (not shown) opposite the front side 28. The first strip 24 is attached to the front side 28 of the base strip 22 and extends along the length of the base strip 22, substantially parallel thereto. The second strip 26 is also attached to the front side 28 of the base strip 22 and extends along the length of the base strip 22, substantially parallel thereto. The first and second strips 24, 26 therefore extend along their lengths substantially parallel to each other.

The height 30 of the base strip 22 is greater than the height of the first strip 24 or of the second strip 26. Indeed, the height 30 of the base strip 22 is greater than the combined heights of the first and second strips 24, 26. In the described embodiment, the height of the first strip 24 is greater than that of the second strip 26.

The first strip 24 is attached to the base strip 22 such that there is a prescribed distance or gap between the lower edge 32 of the base strip 22 and the lower edge 34 of the first strip 26. In the described embodiment, the prescribed distance is 5 mm; however, any suitable gap may be used. The base strip 22 is attached to the curtain 10 along this gap, in particular by sewing the base strip 22 to the curtain 10.

Similarly, the second strip 26 is attached to the base strip 22 such that there is a prescribed distance or gap between the upper edge 36 of the base strip 22 and the upper edge 38 of the second strip 26. Again, in the described embodiment the prescribed distance is 5 mm; however, any suitable gap may be used. Also again, the base strip 22 is attached to the curtain 10 along this gap by sewing. The second strip 26 is also spaced apart from the first strip 24 to leave a gap therebetween.

The first strip 24 is a continuous strip of material attached to the base strip 22 at regular intervals. In particular, the first strip 24 has a plurality of first attaching segments, intervals or portions 40. In the described embodiment, the first attaching segments 40 are attached to the front side 28 of the base strip 22 by bonding; however, any suitable attaching method may be used, for example stitching or sewing.

The first attaching segments 40 are of equal size and are equally spaced along the length of the first strip 24. The first attaching segments 40 define a plurality of first pocket segments 42 of the first strip 24 positioned between the first attaching segments 40. The first pocket segments 42 are not attached or joined to the base strip 22, and so a hole, aperture or pocket is formed between each first pocket segment 42 and the base strip 22. In FIG. 2, two such first pocket segments 42 are shown; however, in the described embodiment the continuous first strip 24 has four first pocket segments 42 in total across a standard with of curtain fabric or a flat length of, for example, 1280 mm. Any suitable number of first pocket segments may be defined in different embodiments.

Each of the first pocket segments 42 has a pair of spaced apart first fastening points 44 a, 44 b. In the described embodiment, the first fastening points 44 a, 44 b are in the form of vertical markings across substantially the entire height of the first strip 24. The markings may instead be another form of indicator, e.g. an indentation or perforation. The first fastening points 44 a, 44 b may equally be a single point or a region rather than a line marking. The purpose of the pairs of first fastening points 44 a, 44 b will be described below.

The second strip 26 is a continuous strip of material attached to the base strip 22 at regular intervals. In particular, the second strip 26 has a plurality of second attaching segments 46. The second attaching segments 46 are attached to the front side 28 of the base strip 22 by any suitable method, e.g. adhesive bonding.

The second attaching segments 46 are equally spaced along the length of the second strip 26. The second attaching segments 46 define a plurality of second pocket segments 48 of the second strip 26 positioned between the second attaching segments 46. The second pocket segments 48 are not attached or joined to the base strip 22, and so a pocket is formed between each second pocket segment 48 and the base strip 22.

The second strip 26 has the same number of second pocket segments 48 that the first strip 24 has first pocket segments 42, i.e. in the described embodiment the continuous second strip 26 has four second pocket segments 48, two of which are shown in FIG. 2. Each second pocket segment 48 is adjacent to a respective one of the first pocket segments 42. Furthermore, the respective centre points of these first and second pocket segments 42, 48 are adjacent thereto in the vertical direction.

Each of the second pocket segments 48 has a pair of spaced apart second fastening points 50 a, 50 b. The second fastening points 50 a, 50 b are in the form of vertical markings across substantially the entire height of the second strip 26. The purpose of the pairs of second fastening points 50 a, 50 b will be described below.

The second strip 26 also has a number of hook pocket segments 52. In particular, each of the second attaching portions 46 of the second strip 26 define two such hook pocket segments 52, one adjacent or near to each end of each second attaching portion 46. Specifically, the second strip 26 is not attached or joined to the base strip 22 at the hook pocket segments 52 so that a gap or pocket is defined between each hook pocket segment 52 and the base strip 22. The purpose of the hook pocket segments 52 is described below.

FIG. 3 shows a partial view of the header tape arrangement 20. In particular, FIG. 2 shows a single one of the first pocket segments 42 of the first strip 24 and a single one of the second pocket segments 46 of the second strip 26. In the described embodiment, the length 54 of each of the first attaching segments 40 is 40 mm, the length of each of the first pocket segments 42 is 280 mm, the length or distance 56 between each pair of first fastening points 44 a, 44 b is 140 mm, and the length 58 between one of the first attaching segments 40 and the adjacent first fastening point 44 a, 44 b is 70 mm. Any suitable lengths for the above may be used.

The length of each of the first attaching segments 40 is less than the length of each of the second attaching segments 46. The length of each of the first pocket segments 42 is greater than the length of each of the second pocket segments 48. The distance between each pair of first fastening points 44 a, 44 b is greater than the distance between each pair of second fastening points 50 a, 50 b. The length of each of the hook pocket segments 52 is less than that of each of the second pocket segments 48.

In the described embodiment, the length 60 of each of the hook pocket segments 52 is 15 mm, the distance 62 between each hook pocket segment 52 and an end of the respective second attaching segment 46 is 5 mm, and the distance 64 between one of the second attaching segments 46 and the adjacent second fastening point 50 a, 50 b is 37 mm. Any suitable lengths for the above may be used.

A method of assembling the header tape arrangement 20 on the curtain 10 so as to cause a wave effect in the curtain 10 is now described. As mentioned above, firstly the tape 20 is attached adjacent to and along the upper edge 14 of the curtain 10. In particular, the tape 20 is sewn along the upper and lower edges 32, 36 of the base strip 22 so as to attach the tape 20 to the curtain 10.

With reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, and additional reference to FIG. 4, each of the first and second pocket segments 42, 48 are to be folded and then fastened so as cause the wave effect or pattern. In particular, FIG. 4 shows a schematic plan view of part of the tape arrangement 20 after the first and second pocket segments 42, 48 have been folded and fastened, as is now described. A first one of the first pocket segments 42 is folded or pinched so as to bring together the pair of first fastening points 44 a, 44 b therein. By folding the first pocket segment 42 in this manner, a first folded or loop portion 66 is created by the material of the first pocket segment 42 between the pair of first fastening points 44 a, 44 b, as shown in FIG. 4. In particular, the pair of first fastening points 44 a, 44 b is brought together in such a way that the first loop portion 66 extends from the first fastening points 44 a, 44 b towards the base strip 22. Specifically, a tip or peak 68 of the first loop 66 faces and/or abuts the base strip 22.

Folding the first pocket segment 42 in this manner to bring together the first fastening points 44 a, 44 b causes the base strip 22 to adopt the curved or wavy shape in that particular region, as shown in FIG. 4. As the base strip 22 is attached to the curtain 10 then the curtain 10 also adopts the curved or wavy shape in that particular region. The pair of first fastening points 44 a, 44 b are then fastened together to maintain the first loop 66 and to maintain the curved shape of the base strip 22 and the curtain 10 in this region. In the described embodiment, the pair of first fastening points 44 a, 44 b are fastened or fixed together by sewing along the marker lines; however, any suitable fastening method may be used, for example, gripping means such as snappy tags, or hook and loop means such as Velcro®.

Once the first one of the first pocket segments 42 has been folded and fastened, the corresponding or adjacent second pocket segment 48 is folded or pinched in a similar manner so as to bring together the pair of second pair of fastening points 50 a, 50 b therein. This creates a second folded or loop portion 70, as shown in FIG. 4. The second loop portion 70 extends from the second fastening points 50 a, 50 b towards the base strip 22, and a tip or peak 72 of the second loop 70 faces and/or abuts the base strip 22. The second loop 70 is smaller than the first loop 66.

Folding the second pocket segment 48 in this manner to bring together the second fastening points 50 a, 50 b acts to maintain and strengthen the curved or wavy shape of the base strip 22 and curtain 10 created by folding the first pocket segment 42 in that particular region. The second fastening points 50 a, 50 b are then fastened together in a similar manner to the first fastening points 44 a, 44 b to maintain the second loop 70.

The method continues on to the next first pocket segment 42, which is folded and fastened before the corresponding second pocket segment 48 is folded and fastened. This process continues until each of the first and second segments 42, 48 have been folded and fastened. This creates a wave effect or pattern in the curtain 10 with pleats of equal length and height, i.e. equal size. As mentioned above, in the described embodiment four pleats per width of fabric are created in the curtain 10.

Curtain hooks are engaged with or inserted into the hook pockets formed by the hook pocket segments 52 and coupled to the curtain pole 12 so as to hang the curtain 10 either before or after the wave pattern has been formed. The curtain 10 is preferably hung just touching or just off the floor. Once the curtain 10 is hung it may be pulled back into its pleats. The pleats may be adjusted so that they continue in an even manner down the full length of the curtain from top to bottom. The curtain 10 may be tied up with narrow strips of lining or plastic for a period of time, e.g. 2-3 days, which helps set the curtain 10 into its pleats to create a wave effect that lasts over time when used with a suitable fabric.

Examples of various possible approximate dimensions associated with the single curtain 10 having the tape arrangement 20 is shown in the table below.

Number of Number of Number of Size of flat widths per Finished width hooks needed pleats created curtain needed Pole Size (cm) curtain of curtain (cm) per curtain per curtain (cm) Up to 120 2 128 16 8 256 120-180 3 192 24 12 384 180-245 4 256 32 16 512 245-310 5 320 40 20 640 310-375 6 384 48 24 768

The curtain 10 needs double the fullness, i.e. the amount of extra fabric needed across its width.

Many modifications may be made to the above-described embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined in the accompanying claims.

In the above-described embodiment, the tape arrangement 20 includes two strips, namely the first and second strips 24, 26, overlying and attached to a base strip. In different embodiments, only a single strip may overlie and be attached to a base strip, the single strip being pinched together at spaced apart pockets so as to cause a wave effect in the base strip and attached curtain. Indeed, in different embodiments, more than two strips may be attached to a base strips and be used to create the wave pattern.

In the above-described embodiment, hooks are engaged with the hook pocket segments 52 and with the curtain pole 12 so as to hang the curtain 10 after each of the first and second pocket segments 42, 48 have been folded and fastened. In different embodiments, the curtain 10 may be suspended from the curtain pole 12 prior to the first and second pocket segments 42, 48 being folded and fastened to cause the wave effect.

In the above-described embodiment, a first one of the first pockets segments 42 is folded and fastened followed by the corresponding, adjacent second pocket segment 48, before moving on to the next pair of first and second pocket segments 42, 48. In different embodiments, this order may be different. For example, all of the first pocket segments 42 may be folded and fastened followed by all of the second pocket segments 48, or vice versa. Alternatively, a first one of the second pockets segments 48 may be folded and fastened followed by the corresponding, adjacent first pocket segment 42, before moving on to the next pair of first and second pocket segments 42, 48.

In the above-described embodiment, the pairs of first and second fastening points 44 a, 44 b, 50 a, 50 b are shown or indicated on the first and second pocket segments 42, 48, respectively; however, in different embodiments the fastening points need not be indicated. Instead, a user may use their judgement to adjust and fasten the pocket segments at appropriate points depending on the size of pleats that are needed so as to create loop portions.

In the above-described embodiment, each of the first and second strips 24, 26 are continuous strips of material; however, in different embodiments this need not be the case. For example, for one or both of the strips each of the pocket segments may be formed from discrete pieces of material attached at each side to the base strip to define the pockets. That is, each of the first and second strips may be formed from a plurality of discrete pieces of material to form the pocket segments instead of a single, continuous piece of material along the strip as in the above-described embodiment. 

1. A header tape arrangement for a curtain, the header tape arrangement being for causing a wave effect in the curtain, the header tape arrangement comprising: a base strip for attaching to the curtain, adjacent to and along an edge of the curtain, the base strip having a rear side for facing the curtain and a front side opposite the rear side; and, a first strip having: a plurality of spaced apart first attaching segments attached to the front side of the base strip along a length of the base strip; and, a plurality of first pocket segments defined between the first attaching segments, each of the first pocket segments having a pair of spaced apart first fastening points, wherein the first pocket segments are folded and the pairs of first fastening points are fastened so as to cause the wave effect when the base strip is attached to the curtain.
 2. A header tape arrangement according to claim 1, wherein fastening the pairs of first fastening points creates and maintains a first loop portion in each of the first pocket segments, the first loop portions being adjacent to the base strip.
 3. A header tape arrangement according to claim 1, wherein each pair of first fastening points is fastened together by sewing.
 4. A header tape arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the first strip is attached to the base strip along and adjacent to a lower edge of the base strip.
 5. A header tape arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the first strip is formed from a continuous strip of material. 6-7. (canceled)
 8. A header tape arrangement according to claim 1, the header tape arrangement comprising a second strip having: a plurality of spaced apart second attaching segments attached to the front side of the base strip along a length of the base strip; and, a plurality of second pocket segments defined between the second attaching segments, each of the second pocket segments having a pair of spaced apart second fastening points, wherein the second pocket segments are folded and the pairs of second fastening points are fastened so as to cause or maintain the wave effect when the base strip is attached to the curtain.
 9. A header tape arrangement according to claim 6, wherein fastening the pairs of second fastening points creates a second loop portion in each of the second pocket segments, the second loop portions being adjacent to the base strip.
 10. A header tape arrangement according to claim 6, wherein each of the second pocket segments is adjacent to one of the first pocket segments.
 11. A header tape arrangement according to claim 6, wherein a spacing between the second fastening points in each pair of second fastening points is less than a spacing between the first fastening points in each pair of first fastening points.
 12. A header tape arrangement according to claim 6, wherein a length of the second pocket segments is less than a length of the first pocket segments.
 13. A header tape arrangement according to claim 6, wherein the second strip is attached to the base strip along and adjacent to an upper edge of the base strip.
 14. A header tape arrangement according to claim 6, wherein the first strip is spaced apart from the second strip.
 15. A header tape arrangement according to claim 6, wherein each of the second attaching segments defines a hook segment therein that is not attached to the base strip.
 16. A header tape arrangement according to claim 13, wherein a length of the hook segment is less than that of the respective second pocket segment.
 17. A header tape arrangement according to claim 13, wherein the hook segment is adjacent to an end of the respective second pocket segment.
 18. A header tape arrangement according to claim 15, wherein the hook segment is a first. 19-24. (canceled)
 25. A method of assembling a header strip arrangement on a curtain to cause a wave effect in the curtain, the header tape arrangement comprising: a base strip having a rear side and a front side opposite the rear side; and, a first strip having: a plurality of spaced apart first attaching segments attached to the front side of the base strip along a length of the base strip; and, a plurality of first pocket segments defined between the first attaching segments, each of the first pocket segments having a pair of spaced apart first fastening points, the method comprising: attaching the base strip to the curtain such that the rear side of the base strip faces the curtain and the base strip extends adjacent to and along an edge of the curtain; folding each of the first pocket segments to create respective first loop portions therein so as to cause the base strip and the curtain to adopt a wave pattern; and, fastening each of the pairs of first fastening points to maintain the first loop portions and the wave pattern. 